Music Production Knowledge Backlog

Here you can find my latest published content. Use the Search!

Creating Inversions with Node Wrapping in Bitwig Studio

Mar 03, 2022 Tutorial
I just showed how to use the node wrapping tool in Bitwig Studio to create more efficient code inversions and make it easier to have nodes closer together. I also showed how to use the wrap axis tool to change the axis of mirroring to make it even more efficient. Download the preset in the description below and leave me a comment if you have any feedback.

Creating Melodies with Bitwig Studio 4.2: Note Grid and NoteFX Tools

Mar 02, 2022 Tutorial
I'm here to show you how to use the new Note Grid and NoteFX tools in Bitwig Studio 4.2 to create a melody maker. I demonstrate how to set up a repeater, step mod, sample and hold, and a quantizer to create a random melody generator. I also show you a chord generator I created called the Circle of Fifths, and how to use it with the pitch quantize to create melodies that stay in scale. I provide a preset in the description below so you can follow along and have some fun creating your own melodies.

Creating Dubstep Bass Sounds from Scratch with Bitwig Studio

Mar 01, 2022 Tutorial
In this video, I walk viewers through a step-by-step guide to creating a dubstep bass sound using the Phase 4 FM synthesizer in Bitwig Studio. I start by explaining how to create a basic bass sound using mono mode, and then transition into using the Phase 4M in additive synthesis mode. I also explain how to use the LFO and ADSR settings, as well as how to use modulation and frequency to achieve a dynamic sound. Finally, I emphasize the importance of getting the bass and drum sound right from the start in order to create a successful dubstep track.

Using Loops From Others: Is It Cheating or Inspiration?

Feb 28, 2022 Tutorial
In this video, I demonstrate how I use Arcade by Output to help me get in the right mood to make music. I show how to search for different genres, download samples, and use my keyboard to play loops. I explain how I build upon the samples, adding my own sounds, drum sounds, and synthesis to the track. I explain how I use the plugin to add color and texture to my music and to make it more unique.

Gain Staging and Organizing a Music Project in Bitwig

Feb 25, 2022 Tutorial
In this video, I demonstrate my workflow for gain staging a track. I start by going to the settings and changing the default new track volume to 0dB. I then select all of the tracks and set them to 0dB in the inspector. I then group the tracks together into meaningful subgroups like drums, bass, and music. I then gain stage all of the tracks, starting with the kick, by using the peak limiter to bring the volume up to the ceiling of the threshold. I then apply different gain staging methods, like limiters and clippers, to the different subgroups. Finally, I bring all of the subgroups together into an "all" group, which is my master chain, and use a track reference track to compare my track to.

Creating Drum Variety with Audio Effects Racks in Bitwig

Feb 24, 2022 Tutorial
In this video I showed how I use audio effects racks to save time and create interesting sounds. I demonstrated how to use a mixer, recorder, step-smoother and attenuator to create ghost notes at the end of a drum loop. I also showed how to use the FX grid and gate modules to create a delay or reverb effect that occurs when the snare is triggered. Finally, I explained how these audio effects racks can be saved as presets and used in other projects.

Balancing Frequencies for a Clean & Loud Mixdown

Feb 23, 2022 Tutorial
In this video, I discussed why it's important to balance your frequencies before going into a limiter or clipper. I showed how to do this easily by using a tilt setting, or by using a VST plugin like Ozone 8 and using the Matching EQ feature. I also showed a method of using multiple band pass filters with a reference level tool to reach the same goal. Finally, I discussed the importance of not overdoing the brightness as it can lead to an overly sharp mix.

Sound Design with Subtractive Synthesis: Create Bass, Lead, and Hoover Sounds

Feb 22, 2022 Tutorial
In this video, I showed how to use subtractive synthesizers to create simple and easy bass, lead, hoover, and kick drum sounds. I started by explaining what a subtractive synthesizer is and how to create a sine wave with one. I then showed how to create a kick drum using one envelope and how to create a lead sound using unison. I also showed how to create a hoover sound using two pulse waves and pulse width modulation. Lastly, I discussed how to create synthwave basses using distortion and the monophonic mode.

Mixdown Workflow for Dance Floor Tunes

Feb 21, 2022 Tutorial
In this video, I discuss my workflow process when it comes to mixing down dance floor tunes. I stress the importance of starting with the creation process and how that influences the mixing process. I demonstrate how to use a transient shaper, a limiter, and a clip to reduce dynamics and create a punchy sound. I also discuss the importance of frequency balance and how it is influenced by the length of the samples and the BPM. Finally, I discuss how to create a hierarchy in the mix by making the kick drum the loudest part and then gradually reducing the volume of the snare and high hat.

Comparing Sample Managers: XO, Atlas, Sononym and Cosmos

Feb 18, 2022 Tutorial
In this video, I shared my thoughts on the new sample manager Cosmos by Waves, comparing it to my other sample managers like XO, Atlas, and Sononym. I found that Cosmos offers a lot of additional attributes for samples, which makes it easier to filter down to what you need. I also liked the Galaxy/Cosmos space where you can drag samples directly out. I found Sononym to be more suited for research, as it has a similarity search feature which takes a lot of attributes into consideration. I found Atlas to have better integration of its space, and XO to have the advantage of being able to export multiple samples simultaneously. In conclusion, I found all the sample managers to have different benefits and I use them all for different tasks.

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